Packers: 3 biggest questions following the 2018 NFL Draft
![CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Jaire Alexander CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 01: Jaire Alexander](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F611907878-louisville-v-clemson-jpg-3fc0f4b4857fa5ce431a32213a1813d4e1a08ba26d0382aa85ed617df4aeb25b.jpg)
2. Is the secondary fixed?
On paper, the Packers look much healthier in the secondary than they did a year ago. Young cornerbacks Kevin King, Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson give the defensive backfield a ton of potential, especially working with veterans Tramon Williams and Davon House. But football isn’t played on paper. Has Gutekunst done enough to fix the secondary this offseason?
It’s always risky to ask too much from rookies. While Alexander and Jackson could develop into fine starting cornerbacks, it often takes time to adjust to life in the NFL. It would be unfair to expect them to play at a high level from Week 1. While the Packers did add experience in Williams, should they have been more aggressive in free agency?
Long term, the future looks much brighter. At safety, I expect Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to bounce back from a disappointing 2017, and Josh Jones should continue to improve entering his second season. The Packers’ young trio of cornerbacks is exciting, even if it takes time.
In the short term, is the secondary fixed? In a division featuring the likes of Allen Robinson, Adam Thielen, Marvin Jones and Stefon Diggs, the Packers need their corners to play much better than the past two years. The arrival of Mike Pettine at defensive coordinator could be huge.
With the arrival of Alexander and Jackson, the secondary looks stronger. But both rookies will need to start fast.